My understanding was that they were going to use F-18HT's for an indefinite period into the future but they were going to limit it to the Bimare brand for the first year or maybe two until it got off the ground. I did not see "Bimare" mentioned in the press release for this year's event, so maybe they have already opened it up to all F-18HT's. I will try to get that clarified.
Here is clarification of this from W.F. Oliver:
Mary,
At the conclusion of the 2003 LAC, ICCT trustees and the 18HT Class officers agreed that the event would be opened up for any brand (or custom)18HT to be allowed to participate in the future. This measure was taken to encourage further participation and encourage development of boats and equipment for the LAC. Several sailors have expressed their opinions that the developmental nature of the 18HT rule (as opposed to one-design Jav 2s), as an open class, was better suited to the event and would help the class grow.
I have been told that the ICCT trustees are happy with the efforts of the F-18HT class (as an open formula class) and feel no need to change boats, at least at this time.
In my opinion, they do not feel that the C-Class is viable and the extreme costs to build/campaign the C-Cats could reduce and discourage participation in the LAC by top teams. The ICCT "mission statement" reads something like- "The ICCT is intended to establish/encourage international match racing in catamarans." There is no mention of the type of boat or of a desire to encourage development of equipment. I think that our event has drawn a much higher level of sailing/match racing talent than the C-Class event. I would characterize the ICCT as more about the sailors and match racing and less about the boats.
The choice of the 18HT has resulted in participation by some top international racing teams, which is the apparent intent of the ICCT. Furthermore, at least three different brands of 18HTs are going to be represented at the event. Of the four Bimare 18HTs racing, at least three are highly modified for the event. The class is benefiting from the sail, rig, and platform development by these top teams!
I look forward to the event!
One idea floated by 18HT several members is to have the winner of this year's ICCT to challenge the winning team from the C-Class event to a match race, at the conclusion of the 2004 LAC. The race would be held in the two most closely matched 18HTs from the event. What do you think? Perhaps, the level of talent in our event would discourage the acceptance challenge?
Got to go for now...........
Regards,
W.F.
(Comment from Mary: So there are three brands of F-18HT in this year's ICCT event. Mitch Booth is sailing a Marstrom, and British team is sailing a Stealth, and the rest of the sailors will be on Bimare Jav 2's. And if you want to build an F-18HT in your garage, it would be welcome, too.)
